Splash: Best San Diego Hotel Pools

Who says you need to visit Las Vegas to experience a high profile pool party? And why would you venture out to a water park when you can slide and play in style, just steps from your room? San Diego hotels boast a menu of aquatic adventures custom tailored to guests of all ages.

If you’re on the prowl for our city’s hottest pool parties, book your suite at the Hard Rock Hotel, Andaz Hotel or W Hotel. From the world’s top DJs to celebrity guests and posh VIP cabana amenities, you’ll soon see why San Diego is the ultimate destination for poolside adults-only fun in the sun. If you’re seeking a relaxing under-the-radar afternoon at the pool, check into Hilton San Diego Bayfront, The Grand Del Mar or L’Auberge Del Mar; and if you’re heading to town with the whole family, you'll love the kid-friendly water activities at La Costa Resort, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay and Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina.

Discover the best San Diego hotel pools for partying, relaxing and kid-friendly fun.

The Andaz Hotel is home to one of the largest and most luxurious rooftop pool lounges in the city, complete with a gorgeous view of the Gaslamp Quarter that extends out to the glistening harbor. Ivy Rooftop boasts a large heated pool surrounded by white chaise lounge chairs shaded by umbrellas, as well as a row of exclusive VIP cabanas. On Sundays during summer Ivy Rooftop hosts sophisticated pool parties with DJ beats, premium spirits, and VIP cabana bottle service, attracting an elite social circle. By night, Ivy Rooftop heats up with some of the hottest parties in town, creating the ultimate outdoor SoCal club experience.

If you’re looking for a Vegas-style pool party at home in San Diego, look no further than Float at the Hard Rock Hotel. Float is the fourth floor outdoor lounge, home to a petite yet action-packed pool, VIP cabanas, day beds, and a large event spaced dubbed Woodstock that is covered in bright green Astroturf all summer long to host Intervention, Hard Rock’s signature wet ‘n’ wild pool party. During the week days hotel guests can recline poolside and sip cocktails under the hot sun. But come Sunday, Float is transformed into the craziest pool party San Diego has ever seen, complete with celebrity guests and the world’s top DJs.

The Del Mar Marriott is located on the cusp of inland Del Mar, near Carmel Valley, making it a popular and convenient hotel for business travelers and families. However, past the corporate façade, guests will be surprised to find a spacious, ultra-modern pool lounge outside Arterra, the hotel’s signature restaurant that recently underwent a contemporary remodel. In addition to a large heated pool, guests enjoy stylish chaise lounge areas complete with private fire pits, creating an ideal outdoor social gathering hot spot. During summer, the Del Mar Marriott hosts a variety of rotating pool parties and special events.

Downtown San Diego’s first boutique hotel to offer the rooftop nightlife experience, the W continues to reinvent itself with aquatic amenities and modern additions to the timeless Beach lounge. The W’s Wet Pool is an alluring oasis for travelers with a mirror wall, a graphic wooden deck, whimsical botanicals, and a dramatic hyper photo of a wave appearing to crest. Wet guests are encouraged to recline on chaise lounges by the pool, soaking in the sun, while enjoying cocktails and nibbles from Veranda Bar. Up one more floor guests will enter Beach, the W’s signature sand-filled outdoor lounge with VIP cabanas, fire pits, plush, modern seating, and of course, a full top shelf bar. The W hosts rotating pool parties and special events throughout the summer.

Located in Point Loma, The Pearl is our favorite vintage-chic boutique hotel in San Diego, offering a truly unique entertainment experience. Vintage gets tropical at The Pearl’s petite outdoor lounge which boasts an oyster shell shaped saltwater swimming pool. Whether you’re staying at The Pearl, or visiting for brunch and daytime cocktails, you’re welcome to post up poolside and soak in the rays in style. You won’t find many raging pool parties here, but you’ll soon come to realize that that is exactly why you can’t resist The Pearl’s laid-back vibe.

L’Auberge Del Mar doesn’t feel like a hotel at all, but rather like a luxurious, welcoming estate, making precious pool time all that much more enjoyable. Also, it doesn’t hurt that L’Auberge is located just steps from the beach in Del Mar, and the pool deck and poolside lounge, Bleu Bar, overlook the sparkling ocean below. Float in the pool, chill at the bar, or recline in style within a private VIP cabana; at L’Auberge Del Mar there is an aquatic adventure for everyone. You won’t find any pool parties here, but you’re welcome to walk down to the beach and create your own fun.

Four swimming pools, a 50-square-foot Jacuzzi, and numerous idyllic fountains and water features flow throughout The Grand Del Mar property, but our favorite aquatic element is the main swimming pool. The 2,400-square-foot waveless edge pool visually unfolds into the adjacent children's pool, creating a series of linked images. A sandy beach area with sweeping vistas of coastal canyon adds a relaxed and fun vibe, while the fully stocked pool bar and open air cabanas allure guests with endless luxury amenities. This pristine resort pool area is reserved for The Grand Del Mar guests only – and is reason enough to indulge on a suite.

Located just steps from Mission Bay, the Hyatt Regency features every child’s dream backyard – complete with three large lagoon-style heated pools, each with a corkscrew waterslide, a separate children’s pool, a spacious Jacuzzi, recreation hut with pool toys, floats and towels, and an expansive deck with plentiful plush lounge chairs. The nearby Swim lounge offers upscale drinks and eats for parents and VIP cabana rentals are available for the ultimate poolside escape.

The ultimate family-friendly resort in North County San Diego, La Costa is an aquatic paradise for parents and children of all ages. La Costa boasts five on-site pool areas, including the Sandy Beach Family Pool, Tranquil Garden Adult Pool, Villa Pool and Jacuzzi, and the incredible Splash Landing Pool with a vast water play area and multiple water slides. In town this summer? La Costa is hosting the Sliders Cup Waterslide Races now through September 3.

The Marriott hits on San Diego Harbor, boasting views of the luxurious yachts and boats along the Bay. In addition to boat rentals and water activities, the hotel offers a resort style pool that is hidden behind plush tropical greenery, creating a private atmosphere for kids and adults to play and relax in style.

The Hilton Bayfront is famous for having the city’s one and only heated saltwater hotel pool, located on the edge of a glorious patio with incredible views of the Bay. Poolside options range from renting a private cabana to enjoying a relaxing massage.